The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Thursday, reaffirmed his commitment to agricultural transformation during the signing of a $158m agreement for the implementation of an agricultural value chain programme.
The project is co-funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, on behalf of the state government, signed the agreement at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
A statement by the governor’s special assistant on media, Muslim Lawal, said the programme is slated for execution in ten states: Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi.
Jatau described the initiative as a transformative effort to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen economic resilience across the benefiting states.
Jatau noted, “The Value Chain Programme is a strategic partnership that aligns with the vision of Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration of harnessing Bauchi State’s vast agricultural potential to drive industrial growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance the livelihoods of the citizens.
“This momentous occasion marks a significant stride in our collective journey towards achieving sustainable development, food security, and economic empowerment for our people.
“Under the leadership of our amiable governor, the Bauchi State Government has developed a comprehensive agricultural development plan that leverages our land assets to unlock the state’s industrial potential.
“In this regard, Bauchi State has achieved certification as a food export processing zone, underscoring our commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and positioning ourselves as a key player in the regional and global agricultural markets.”
He reiterated the administration’s commitment and willingness by participating in the World Bank’s first performance-for-result programme known as the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms.